Michael Lieffers

National Team Coach

Coaching Since: 2006

Profession: Business Owner Operator

Hometown: Saskatoon, SK

What is your favourite part of coaching?

• “My favorite part of coaching is watching an athlete achieve a goal.  If it’s on or off the water, if it’s during a session with friends or in a competition – I get the same feeling of excitement watching hard work paying off.”

Highlights before becoming a coach?

• “This is a touch questions.  Participating in the Canadian and FLA scene for a few years was amazing.  But I have always been in a coaching model of riding and sharing with friends and new friends.”

What was you most memorable experience as a coach?

• “I enjoyed so many moments in Moscow back in 2005 – both good and bad.  The team camps where you saw a team member understand why we chose the path we are on is huge for me.”

If you weren’t a coach, what would you be doing?

• “I am 99% not a coach.  I run global business, try to be a caring and understanding husband, and a friend to the other people in my life.  Coaching, or in my opinion, program planning and managing is a small part of what I do with my time.”

What or who made you want to become  a coach?

• “I grew up in a small town with a man named Dave Wassill.  He had the same problem most people have – a boat with no crew.  Dave was always open to people joining him for boat time.  We reopened a club and started shredding.  Later I became the provincial touring coach and then the Provincial team coach.”

What is your favourite quote?

• “About the only problem with success is that it does not teach you how to deal with failure.” – Tommy Lasorda